Family Law Staff Attorney: Self-Represented Litigants Courthouse Clinic

KEY JOB RESPONSIBIILTIES

Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to provide legal advice and representation in family law and domestic violence matters through its Self-Represented Litigants Clinic located at the Upper Marlboro courthouse. The attorney will deliver high-quality legal guidance, assist clients with court forms, and support individuals representing themselves. Over time, the attorney will develop litigation skills and represent clients in protective order hearings, custody and divorce proceedings, and other family law matters as part of CLS's litigation team. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, confident working independently without on-site supervision, and committed to serving low-income and underserved communities. The attorney will work closely with clinic support staff, interact regularly with court personnel and legal service providers, and participate in community outreach. This in-person courthouse-based position offers occasional remote work with supervisory approval, along with opportunities for professional growth and advancement in litigation. Some evening and weekend work is required for community outreach events.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBIILTIES

• Screen clients for eligibility and make community and legal resources referrals.
• Provide legal advice to clients on domestic violence and family law matters.
• Represent clients in domestic violence and family law matters as substitute counsel for CLS colleagues as needed. Representation may include providing same-day, extended, and/or limited-scope representation.
• Assist clients with standard family law court forms; draft client motions and pleadings.
• Answer client calls, provide advice by phone or video, and assist with intakes. Use CLS's legal databases to maintain client case information, records, and case outcomes.
• Periodically review case management database to ensure case and client information is correct.
• Coordinate and attend training and community outreach events on behalf of CLS including on some weekends and evenings.
• Assist with grant management which may include reviewing legal databases to ensure the accuracy of client records, writing grant reports, and reporting on the number and types of cases handled, and the number of clients served.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be a member of the Maryland bar in good standing (if licensed out of state, must have the ability to waive into Maryland within 2 years of the acceptance of the position).
• Must demonstrate strong legal research and writing skills.
• Must possess proficient skills in the use of computer applications including electronic databases, case management systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Must possess a willingness and ability to network, build partnerships, and spread awareness of CLS programs.
• District Court and/or Circuit Court litigation experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of family law and domestic violence statutes and case law matters is preferred.
• Must be available to report to in-person work location(s) between the hours of 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This applies even if an employee was previously granted permission to work remotely.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

Pay:

From $74,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person